St. Alexius celebrates 140 years in Bismarck

The Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, the leadership and associates of St. Alexius, and the Bismarck/Mandan community celebrated the 140th anniversary of St. Alexius Hospital on May 6, 2025. A Mass of Thanksgiving was held at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary with Bishop David Kagan, Bishop of Bismarck, presiding. A celebration at the medical center followed with comments from representatives of CommonSpirit Health and the City of Bismarck.

Sisters from St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, MN founded St. Alexius Hospital, the first hospital between Seattle and St. Paul, in 1885. Abbot Alexis of St. John’s Abbey assisted the sisters in purchasing a hotel to become the hospital building. They were the first Benedictine Sisters to work in healthcare ministry. Sponsorship of the hospital was given to Annunciation Monastery when they were established as an independent community in 1947. Benedictine Sisters have served at St. Alexius since its founding. Two Sisters currently serve at St. Alexius and several sisters volunteer at the hospital.

Sisters of Annunciation Monastery and guests at the Mass of Thanksgiving
Sister Nicole Kunze, Prioress, reading at the Mass
Sister Nancy Miller, Director of Mission, speaking at the celebration